Grandparents Raising Grandkids
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By Martha Evans Sparks


“We got a call one snowy midnight to come to the home of our son Richard and his live-in girlfriend, Sarah,” said James.

“The police were there, confiscating illegal drugs.

“The Department of Social Services removed their two toddlers, our grandchildren, from the home that night as well. That’s all the notice we had of having two more children to raise.”

James and his wife, Margaret, middle-class professional people, have now adopted the two grandchildren.

The 8th Annual Bluegrass Region Grandparents As Parents (GAP) Conference is made to order for people like James and Margaret.

The conference is Thursday, March 25, 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m at the Holiday Inn North at 1950 Newtown Pike in Lexington.

Registration is $5 for grandparents and relatives, $35 for professionals. The fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Fourteen workshops will address, among other topics, recognizing signs of drug abuse, how to help the caregiver, and a panel of adults who were raised by grandparents or other relatives.

Volunteer attorneys will provide free consultations on guardianship, custody, child support and related legal issues. The consultation is free, but registration for an appointment is necessary. (Info: 257-5582).

Two Fayette County Circuit Family Court judges will lead workshops. Judge Lucinda Masterton will speak on “Model Court,” focusing on improving outcomes for children and families in court for dependency, neglect and abuse. Judge John P. Schrader’s topic is “Family Court -- a View from the Bench.”

The keynote speaker for the conference is Pat Owens of Maryland, the cofounder of GrandFamilies of America. GrandFamilies takes credit for helping to pass a federal law mandating that authorities must search for family before releasing a child to foster care.

Speakers from Generations United, Washington, D.C., will highlight national and Kentucky trends in state and federal legislative efforts to support kinship families.

Info: 257-5582.